What to look for and suggestions for new car

[dirk101]

I'm looking to buy my first car, but I am unsure what to look for. Currently, the characteristics I'm looking for are these:
- sedan
- 4-5 seats
- manual transmisison
- either diesel or gasoline depending on the exact price
- I'm not sure if fuel economy is something every average car buyer is looking for, but the higher the fuel economy, the better
- as much cargo room as possible
- I can't give you an actual price range since I live in Romania, but I am looking for a comfortable car that's neither cheap nor expensive

The main use for the car is to drive long distances with a lot of things to transport, meaning that I would move between my hometown and the city I study in over vacations, or for any other long distance travelling. I'm not looking to drive during busy traffic hours, but I would be driving at night once the streets are less crowded.

Based on this, how should I go about actually choosing a car, or how do I choose between different manufacturers? Do I simply test drive every car that's a possibility?

[syrne]

Yep, get out there and test drive every car you can. You will like some and hate some. You will fall in love with some and realize they are way out of your price range. I don't know how car dealers are where you are but here in the U.S. they are shady and will try to get you to buy no matter what. Just remember to test drive and then go home and research the cars you liked driving. All cars will have maintenance, it's up to you to decide how much you are willing to deal with. Personally I think a VW Jetta or Golf fits what you are looking for fairly well. Little higher on the maintenace side but mine has been good to me. They also come in diesel.

[Airjer_]

It wouldn't hurt to find a car rental agency that offered some of the choices you've narrowed down. Driving for a couple of days can give better insights than a quick test drive.

[dirk101]

Thank you for the helpful tips.

[Shpuker]

Golf TDI, Mazda 3, Most any Fiat (if you get them there), Dacia Sandero (Those are from there right? Lol thank Top Gear), Ford Fiesta, and a bunch of others.

[Jamesfranklin]

These tips are quite helpful for those who are thinking to buy a new car in their near future. For a long time I was thinking to buy a car .This post has motivated me to buy a car off to my choice in the budget available to me